Deputy Store Manager in Portsmouth

At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been inspiring moments of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate delight since 1886. Behind every store experience is a leadership team that brings our story to life through passion, performance, and pride. We’re now looking for a Deputy Manager at our Gunwharf Quays store to support the Store Manager in delivering exceptional service, empowering a brilliant team, and helping the store run like clockwork.

A Day in the Life

You’ll be a trusted co‑pilot to the Store Manager – leading the team, solving challenges in real time, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Your day will include:

• Customer Connection: You’ll lead from the front – welcoming customers, showcasing our range, and making the everyday feel extraordinary. You’ll coach your team to bring our products to life through storytelling, tastings, and memorable service moments. From giving live feedback to managing rotas and motivating through the busy spells, you’ll set the tone for a positive and high‑performing team culture. You’ll help induct, train, and develop colleagues – celebrating wins and building confidence every step of the way.
• Commercial Focus: You’ll track KPIs like conversion and ATV, and work with your Store Manager to spot trends, adapt your approach, and implement ideas that drive performance.
• Operational Efficiency: Stock counts, deliveries, H&S compliance – you’ll make sure the operational engine of the store is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. You’ll also ensure the store looks brilliant and meets Whittard’s visual standards every day.
• Local Involvement: Whether it’s connecting with local businesses or supporting marketing activity, you’ll play a key role in building the store’s reputation and reach within the local community.

What Makes You Exceptional?

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to take their next step in leadership – and do it with energy, confidence, and a love for retail. You’ll bring:

• Experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a retail environment.
• A natural ability to coach, motivate, and lead by example.
• Strong commercial instincts, with confidence in reading reports and using data to influence daily decisions.
• A proactive mindset – someone who spots what needs doing and takes action.
• Great organisation and time management, juggling tasks while staying customer‑focused.
• A genuine passion for creating brilliant customer experiences – and sharing your product knowledge with pride.

Why Whittard?

We’re proud of our heritage, but our focus is on the future – nurturing talent, building connection, and creating career paths for people who love what we do. As a Deputy Manager, you’ll get the support to grow your skills, lead your team, and take the next step when you’re ready. You’ll also enjoy:

• Monthly product allowance – a little treat with every pay cheque.
• Discretionary bonus scheme – because great work should be recognised.
• Wellbeing resources & family‑friendly policies – because we care about the whole you.
• Opportunities to connect across stores and head office – be part of something bigger.

Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences. Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.